The Korea Institute of Materials Science(KIMS), a government-funded research institute under the Ministry of Science and ICT, is achieving tangible results, including “The Core Technology Customized Information Support Project” which it conducts in collaboration with the Gimhae Biomedical & Industry Promotion Agency(GBIA).

In March 2021, KIMS and GBIA signed a business agreement aimed at fostering new industries in the field of biomedicine and advancing specialized biomedical complexes. Since then, these two organizations have been actively engaged in discussions about joint research projects on material technology in the biomedical field and joint support for small and medium-sized enterprises, Concrete implementation of these initiatives has now begun through this project.

“The Core Technology Customized Information Support Project” is designed to provide tailored solutions for individual companies operating in various environments and conditions. Gimhae City is home to 7,982 companies, primarily engaged in the production of metal, machinery, automobiles, and ship-related parts, However, a significant majority of these companies, approximately 77.2%, are small and medium-sized enterprises with fewer than 10 employees. This represents a weak management structure that hinders research and development for future industries beyond direct production. Under this project, KIMS matches professional researchers to the specific technological needs of each company, with the goal of enhancing the core performance of each company's flagship products. This support encompasses a comprehensive range of resources, including human resources, equipment, and technology.

Currently, three companies have been selected as beneficiaries of this project, focusing on improving the conformity of materials and parts to industry standards, developingf defense components, and enhancing core parts for automobiles through computational simulation. As a result, we have achieved quantitative results, including KRW 3.9 billion in new domestic and overseas sales, the opening of two new markets, and ongoing recruitment efforts to expand the workforce and streamline processes. Additionally, KIMS has allocated KRW 750 million of its own financial resources to support four companies in overcoming bottleneck technologies related to mold lifespan improvement, welding robot system development, material recycling technology, and high-durability coating technology.

Park Jong-hwan, Director of Gimhae City stated, “The outcomes of the collaborative efforts between KIMS and GBIA to support local businesses are becoming increasingly evident.” and He further added,“Building on these achievements, we aspire not only to address the challenges faced by local companies, but also to enhance our international competitiveness by leveraging KIMS global network.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Jung-hwan Lee, the President of KIMS emphasized, “Supporting businesses is one of the primary missions of government-funded research institutes, and we remain committed to transferring our internally developed, unique technologies to companies and promoting commercialization.” He added, “Given the active interest of Gimhae City and GBIA in collaborating with KIMS, we are determined to meet their expectations by establishing a mutually beneficial cooperation model between government-funded research institutes and local governments.”